Hugh Jackman, Hannah Bronfman, and More Celebrate the New Yorkers for Children Fall Gala

"Cipriani is known for its glamorous clientele, and that's certainly true tonight — Who would have thought two [such] people here at the same time: Hugh Jackman and Mike Bloomberg," joked Mayor Bloomberg during his speech at last night's New Yorkers for Children Gala.

Jests aside, Bloomberg certainly had the crowd properly pegged: Bill Cunningham was on the scene photographing supermodels Selita Ebanks and Crystal Renn. And the upper echelons of New York society came out, including Hannah Bronfman, the Brant brothers (Harry and Peter II), Annabelle Dexter-Jones, and Lauren Remington Platt. While we can personally vouch for fashion week fatigue's looming presence, it wasn't evident by attendees' bold outfit choices.

To kick off the event, young people who have had their lives transformed by New Yorkers for Children, shared their stories of overcoming unthinkable hardships. Their triumphs struck a chord with Jackman, one of the gala's co-chairs.

"They're always so inspiring," he told us. "Their stories are so touching and beautiful. Their courage to go up and tell them is amazing. It really heartens me that New York has created something like this to support them because, you know, these kids don't have homes. They don't have safe environments, and they all have responsibility at the end of the day."

Benefiting youth in foster care is a cause that goes hand in hand with Jackman and his wife Deborra-Lee Furness's adoption advocacy. Just the day before, Furness penned an op-ed addressing the global orphan crisis.

"My wife did that, not because we have adopted kids, but because she sees it as a great injustice and great need," explained Jackman. "It's much like tonight's cause and I'm really proud of her."

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With a brisk chill in the air, we couldn't resist asking Jackman and his wife what their favorite activities are come autumn. Topping the list were driving to the country on the weekends, going to the park with the kids, collecting leaves, and drinking hot chocolate.

The handsome pair then proceeded to enjoy the rest of the night swaying to a heartfelt live performance by Common, who delivered poetry in motion with his most thought-provoking songs "The People" and "The Light." As any good party does, the fête eventually ended on the dance floor where attendees loosened up their bow ties, hiked up their gowns, and got to business cutting a rug.